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Vatanen Confirms Plans for FIA Seat

Former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen confirmed he is very much interested in becoming the new president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). The 1981 WRC champion was one of the first names to be mentioned by the European media for the presidential seat after Max Mosley confirmed he will not stand for re-election, but did not reveal anything about his future plans until now.

Vatanen is no stranger to politic schemes, as he was elected for two consecutive mandates in the European Parliament. His second mandate ended last month, after 10 years of European politics.

However, this should not be regarded as such a bad news for the 57-year old Fin, as he will now have the opportunity to focus solely on his FIA candidature for the months to come. Either he will compete against Mosley – who is still secretive in his final decision – or some other candidates, that's yet to find out.

Talking to Britain's Guardian newspaper, Vatanen admitted that he is seriously considering running for the FIA presidency, especially since he received some positive feedback from some of the member clubs.

At the moment I am consulting the member clubs and am already seeing positive feedback. I am considering standing. I think the time has come for a change. I would go for it, even if not sure of winning,” said Vatanen for the aforementioned publication.

Some other names that might enter the battle for the FIA seat, as rumored by the media, are Ferrari's former team boss Jean Todt, McLaren's ex-team principal Ron Dennis and FIA sporting regulations boss Nick Craw (USA).
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